Education Learning and Skills Forum
Climbing the ladder to Higher Skills
Stadium
of
Light
played
The
host
to a winning
team
off
the
pitch
as
unionlearn
with
the
Northern TUC celebrated
the success of the innovative
regional Higher Level Skills
project.

economy over the last three years, and

Intervention by exception

how it can continue to make a difference

Outcome related funding

going forward.

Employer ownership of skills
A need to do more for less

After opening remarks from ELSF Chair,

Joyce McAndrew of UCU, the afternoon

The final theme was explored in depth

session was taken straight into the

as this is probably the most relevant

heart of skills policy and funding by

bit for ULRs talking to members and

Gillian Miller, Skills Funding Agency

colleagues and has the largest bearing

Director - Area Relationship Team (North

on the strategic and operational

On 14 March more than 60 delegates

East). The key themes of this

delivery/funding of higher level learning,

attended to keep up-to-date with the

presentation focussed around a new

and how it is promoted. The meaning

latest developments in learning and

skills landscape:

of the ‘need to do more for less’ was

skills, the regional funding landscape

explained via the following points:

and how the flagship Higher Level Skills

Freedoms, flexibilities and

project has made an impact on

simplification

25% reduction in FE budget from

individuals, employers and the regional

Competition and choice

10/11 to 13/14

03

Issue 29

Reductions in funding rates and

One of the key successes was the

with a CMI Level 5 Qualification

changes in entitlements (more “co

commitment and contribution that

Overview, something they have lots of

funding” and no funding)

unionlearn has made towards the

experience – and success - delivering

A greater expectation that employers

project

for learners through this project.

and individuals will pay fees

Project has enabled Higher Level

Review and refocussing of funding

Skills and Workforce Development

The afternoon was rounded off on a

for adult literacy & numeracy

agenda to be 'kept alive' at time of

suitably positive note with an update

provision

uncertainly and change

of what is happening in unionlearn
across all areas of work, by Beth Farhat,

Review of Informal Adult and
Community Learning to increase

For more information go to:

Union Development Coordinator as well

focus and improve progression

http://skillsfundingagency.bis.gov.uk

as a thank you to all attendees,

Refocussing of provision for offenders

contributors and the Higher Level Skills

in custody

The subsequent workshops were held

team for their continued hard, often

Introduction of FE Loans in 2013/14

on two very complementary topics. One

pioneering, and much-valued work to

(people aged 24+ studying at Level

was Supporting Members into Higher

upskilling the region.

3 or above; not means tested and

Skills - the background to and taster

no maximum age; repayments to

of a bespoke TU Ed course, run by

For more information on the Higher

SLC start at an income level of £21k)

Margaret Stephenson and Mike Tansey

Level Skills project contact:

(one of the Higher Level Skills Project

Mike Tansey at: mtansey@tuc.org.uk

The next speaker up was Dorothy Kelly

Workers) who developed the course in

or telephone: 07876 746 870

who treat the audience to an informative

a bid to tackle some of the fears/barriers

Julie Robinson at: jrobinson@tuc.org.uk

and very positive presentation on the

learners can have about stepping up

or telephone: 07824 819 646

Higher Level Skills Project Evaluation,

the skills ladder and to help make the

which detailed the origins and

transition easier. The second workshop

Full copies of the presentations

background of the project, the challenges

was provided by Scott Duncan and

mentioned in this article are also

it has faced throughout its course and

Alison Gordon from Amacus Training

available on request.

best of all, its efficacy - the impact it
has made and the legacy it will leave.
It was extremely heartening to hear the
two main positives are the Skills to
Grow NE web portal and the unionlearn
activity which “played a key role in
delivering outputs for the project, very
successful from outset”.
The key evaluation findings were
highlighted in Dorothy’s final slide and
were:
Ongoing Need for Project confirmed
Positive feedback from Higher
Education Institutions to project
activity
Potential for the Portal to be the
lasting legacy for the project
www.skillstogrowne.co.uk

04

Higher Level Skills

Case Study: Higher Level Skills in Cumbria
RPA Workington - PCS
Over the last few years, and
as the union learning
movement has matured, so
have the learners. Whilst
there is still a huge appetite
for informal learning and
skills for life, there has
become a noticeable increase
in demand for a complete
learning journey.

such workplace. Lisa Harrison, PCS ULR

flagship Higher Level Skills project and

and Assistant Coordinator has been a

Graeme was already actively working

Union Learning Rep for seven years so

with the Open University in the North

has facilitated lots of learning on site,

to bring higher skills to Cumbria. With

mainly focussed around informal adult

their collective knowledge and the

learning, skills for life, Level 1 and Level

funding, it was decided the best way

2s and GCSEs, in the past. But having

forward was to pilot the OU’s Openings

recently completed her own Masters

courses in the RPA.

Degree, coupled with increasing requests
from colleagues and members asking

Katrina Coleman, OU in the North

about progression routes she began to

Community Partnerships Manager said:

explore additional avenues of learning

“Openings courses are 20 week

at higher levels.

introductory courses to Higher Education
and are designed to introduce people

the need for more programmes and
partnerships like this one. They are now

The Openings courses were advertised

in the process of advertising the next

at £195.00 with the added incentive of

cohort of Openings courses (to begin

a 50% refund upon completion, and

in June) and even without any funding,

despite the first round being run close

they have been inundated with

to Christmas this didn’t seem to deter

expressions of interest with two months

people and the take-up was still very

still to go! Lisa’s role as a ULR is now

good with 11 staff signing up to start

solely dedicated to Higher Level Skills

their respective courses in November. In

and she leads on this area for PCS in

order to both assist the learners and

the workplace, co-ordinating and

show their commitment to working in

facilitating all aspects of activity.

partnership the OU gave additional

resources in the shape of three tailored

Lisa said, “Having been involved with

Study Skills sessions on topics like

union learning for a long time we have

Essay Writing, Referencing and Making

seen more and more people develop

the most of Course Materials, which ran

and they are now looking for the next

in tandem with the Openings courses. As

step. The partnership work with

well as practical skills, these sessions

unionlearn and the OU has been a

proved invaluable for everyone involved

fantastic way to introduce higher

as it brought the individual learners

education into our portfolio of union

together as a group, giving the pilot a

learning and give members and

more cohesive feel and forming a very

colleagues what they want and need

effective learner support network.

for personal and professional
development into the future. And judging

As of the end of March, 100% of the

by the interest and the achievements

learners who embarked on the Openings

it looks like it will become a permanent

courses in RPA (Psychology, Law,

fixture!”

Learner’s Story:
Brigitta Hammell
Brigitta, a PCS member, has worked
at RPA for six years and is currently
a Call Centre Operative and has just
completed her Openings course,
Starting with Psychology. She had
accessed some learning prior to
commencing this course in November
2011, and had done ECDL, and NVQs
over the years but hadn’t done any
focussed higher level learning. She
was motivated to do this course by
personal interest in the topic and a
desire to gain a better understanding.
At 44 and a mum of three, time and
and accessibility are of paramount
importance to Brigitta and the OU
courses being run in the workplace
made them convenient and allowed
her to fit the learning into the spare
time she has, especially as the closest
university and HE institutions are in
Carlisle; over an hour away. Just a
couple of weeks after submitting her
final assignments she has already
registered for the OU ‘An Introduction
to the Social Sciences’ (Level 1) course
and her ultimate goal is a full degree
in Psychology – which she also aims
to complete through the OU.
Brigitta said, “Doing the Openings
course through work has been
absolutely brilliant. It’s meant I can
fit it in around my job and childcare
commitments, and I’ve had the added
support of the ULRs, Katrina and
Betty, my tutor, who were all a
massive help. I’d love to take my
learning all the way up to degree
level; to keep learning, improving
and achieving for myself and to prove
I can. I can’t wait to start my next
course!”

06

The Open University and ‘Access to Success’
Ensuring access in the new world
of higher education

Higher Level Skills

students a low cost
entry route into the
OU. This programme is
called the ‘Access to
Success Route’, it will
start from September
2012 and is aimed at
those who have lower
incomes and lower
levels of qualification. Students on the

advice in order to help them complete

route will pay only £25 towards their

their courses. Like all OU courses the

first introductory course followed by a

route offers flexible distance learning,

£50 fee for their second course which

which can be fitted around our

will be at Level 1. The student will have

students’ commitments and gives the

to pass their first course before

opportunity to work whilst studying for

In the past five years, through our

progressing to the second. The aim is

a qualification.

widening access work, we’ve developed

to gradually develop students self-belief

outreach programmes which recruit

and skill - so by the end of the

We know that students will be faced

students in the most disadvantaged

programme they feel confident in taking

with difficult choices as the higher

areas of the UK. The students we recruit

out a loan to complete their studies.

education offer becomes increasingly

At the Open University our
focus has always been on
giving students a second
chance at education.

complex. We recognise this and would

through this work are often less
confident in the world of higher

To be eligible for the programme

encourage potential students to contact

education, and have fewer resources.

students will have to have a residual

us to talk through their options, get

Our concern is that increasing fees and

household income of less than £25,000

advice and see what route would be

a fear of debt may have a real impact

and be new to higher education. The

suitable for them.

on their willingness to take on a course

route is recommended for students who

at HE level.

are less confident and have lower level

If you think the Access to Success

qualifications and would not be

Route may be for you then contact:

In the last year the OU has been working

appropriate for students who are used

Katrina Coleman on 0191 4776100, or

hard to ensure that these students aren’t

to study at higher levels.

at: katrina.coleman@open.ac.uk

impact of funding change is going to

Students on this route will also have

Meg Allen:

be felt most keenly in England, so the

access to a dedicated telephone support

Community Partnerships Programme

early focus has been on developing a

team in the first year of their study and

Manager, Widening Participation

new programme which will give English

will be given additional support and

disadvantaged in the new system. The

You can find further information about the Access to Success Route at: www.8open.ac.uk

Skills to Grow NE
SkillstogrowNE.co.uk
Increasing skill levels and economic growth
SkillsToGrowNE.co.uk is a
new and unique web portal
for the North East. Its aim is
to encourage economic
growth, and increase skills
levels and innovation,
through promoting
collaboration between
business and the North
East’s universities and
colleges.
It provides a single gateway for

support services and dedicated staff

Partnerships. This enables businesses

across the region’s colleges and

to gain an understanding of the type

universities.

of support that is available and what
type of business solutions might be

The site has been developed in response
region who sometimes found difficulty

SkillsToGrowNE.co.uk is free and has a

in accessing the relevant institutions

number of features, enabling users to

and people to help them to develop

select a range of information. They can:

and grow their business. The design
and functionality of the site has been

The health initiatives have had a positive
impact on people in WvP.
During a visit by the Stroke
Association a number of people were
referred to their GPs. One person
was found to have extremely high
blood pressure but didn’t know. (This

Both have achieved the status of NHS

is why high blood pressure is labelled

Health Champions and were presented

‘the silent killer’!) Following the

with their certificates by the Mayor of
Sunderland.

This award is
recognition of the
ongoing work on health
improvement in WvP.
We're delighted to have
achieved this standard,
and will continue in our
efforts to provide staff
with health opportunities
onsite.
Lucy Lanaghan: Union Learning Rep
At the event the Chair of Sunderland

It's brilliant that
large outside
organisations such as the
NHS are aware of our
work in Waterview Park
and that we are now
known for being
proactive in health
improvement.

referral it was also discovered that

Gllian Hindson: Union Learning Rep

fluid and was referred immediately

the person was pre-diabetic. They
immediately made lifestyle changes
and worked with their GP to stop
and control this. At a recent health
event, they took part in a mini
health check and were delighted to
be told that their blood pressure is
now the same as a 16 year old.
Following a fitness check arranged
on site, another person was found
to be carrying high levels of excess
to their GP. Tests showed that the

Some of the good work carried out by

fluid was actually around their heart.

the WvP ULRs includes arranging a

Without the fitness test there would

‘World Mental Health Day’ event, as

have been no way of knowing about

part of their Better Health at Work

this until it was too late. They are

(BHAW) initiative.

now working with their doctor and

Teaching Primary Care Trust mentioned

that check has proved to be a life

some organisations by name, giving a

Two mental health experts from

special mention to HMRC. This gives

Sunderland Primary Care Trust came

outside organisations a very positive

along providing advice about mental

Once again, a massive well done to

message about how HMRC is working

health and wellbeing. ‘Goodie’ bags

Lucy and Gillian and keep up the good

together with ULRs to engage with staff

donated by the Mental Health

work.

and help them to take responsibility

Foundation and NHS were also handed

for their own health and wellbeing in

out including relaxation CDs and stress

the workplace.

balls.

saver.

Tracy Maddison
PCS Branch Learning Co-ordinator

09

Issue 29

GOOD
WORK

IS GOOD FOR YOU!

HIV24/7/365 - World Aids Day
Highlighting the global epidemic
World AIDS Day is just one
day to highlight a global
epidemic that people live
and die with every day of
their lives; not just one
special day where we wear
pretty ribbons and attend
union-led award winning
exhibitions.

10

million new infections per year and 2

support, help and inform our members

million deaths annually due to it.

and colleagues even more with focussed
campaigns around health and wellbeing.
In the summer of 2011 I had an idea
for a specific campaign about bringing
attention to HIV back to the forefront
as in recent years a certain level of
lethargy and complacency seems to
have crept into society.Â So, I felt that
it was a good opportunity and prime
time to raise the issue of HIV awareness

As part of the PCS-Identity Passport

once again, along with associated risk

There are over 33 million people around

Service workplace Better Health at Work

management strategies/safe sexual

the world living with HIV, with nearly 3

initiative we now have a platform to

practices like; wearing a condom, being

careful and honest with partners about

The event at Milburngate was really

your sexual history and getting a regular

very well attended, lots of people from

routine HIV test if not in a monogamous

every level of the business came to see

relationship.

what all the fuss was about, and take

advantage of the sexual health stalls
as well as reading the exhibition boards
and hopefully reminding them of the
salient point that HIV is still very much
something people need to be acutely
aware of.
The event at the Town Hall was on one
of the coldest days of the year. However
we had to get people in to see the
exhibition so that meant donning hats,
scarves, coats and gloves and going
out into the cold to hand out leaflets
to the passing members of the public
many of whom where doing their

Thus, this was the basis of the roadshow

Christmas shopping and thinking of

and featured exhibition which a group

nothing else. But, most people were

of us put lots of hard work, effort and

thankfully in Christmas spirit and some

creativity in to make it informative,

took valuable time out to visit the

engaging and fit for purpose.

Roadshow.

As I write this four months on we’ve
now won the gold level ‘Better Health

What really stunned me was the

at Work’ award with a special bonus

graphical sorcery performed by John

award for the ‘HIV Roadshow’. The

Cook, as he made the individual pages

exhibition is still very much relevant,

come alive with striking visuals.

too. HIV is still with us all around the
world, it has not been cured, and it is

I was keen to bring in outside groups

still infecting people and killing

and suggested MESMAC, a charity based

them. The message we sent out then

in Newcastle which made for a really

is as relevant now as it was four months

strong presentation team.

ago as it will be for every day between
now and until the day every last person
who has it is cured.
The final event was at St Nic’s church,

Hughes MEP, kindly
took time out from his busy
schedule to present learners
at Northern Rail with National
Test literacy and numeracy
certificates at the company’s
Heaton Depot in Newcastle
on 1st March.

from improved skills and qualifications,

partnership has enabled individual

they also enable more learning

employees to move forward with their

programmes and courses to be run for

learning and development—good news

others, too. There have been 30 passes

for them personally and good news for

in total so far and the initiative is still

their employers. Investment in learning

ongoing.

pays dividends. Well done to all

concerned.”

The long-term aim of the project is to

set-up an on-site Learning Centre with

Kevin Rowan, Northern TUC Regional

a room donated by the employer, fitted

Secretary said: “It’s always great see

The learners were receiving their

with 6 computer stations supplied by

the real difference projects like this one

certificates after successfully completing

the unions to support even more diverse

make in practice; to the workplace and

national literacy and numeracy tests as

learning opportunities, both online and

also back into families and

part of the union-led learning project

off.

communities. What is even more

that is running within their workplace.

admirable is that all of the achievements

The project is a joint initiative between

Stephen Hughes was joined by the

are being driven by a true partnership

the TSSA and Unite unions, City of

learners, ULRs, Union Learning

approach via their Collective Learning

Sunderland College and Northern Rail,

Organisers David Nicholson from TSSA

Fund, a relatively new model that relies

run by Union Learning Reps, Steve

and Mick Simpson from Unite, a

very much on an active and sustained

Cambridge and Grant Scott, which aims

representative of Northern Rail

commitment to learning and learners

to promote adult, family and community

management and Kevin Rowan,

from all parties involved.

learning to staff, members and beyond.

unionlearn Regional Manager/Northern

TUC Regional Secretary.

“It’s a pleasure and a privilege for

As part of their Collective Learning Fund,

unionlearn to be able to support projects

which was established in 2011 and is

Stephen Hughes MEP said: “I am

like this one and kudos has to go to

the first of its kind within Northern Rail,

delighted to celebrate the fantastic

TSSA and Unite, Northern Rail and City

City of Sunderland College pays £50

partnership work between a major

of Sunderland College for their combined

into the fund for every skills for life

employer, trades unions and an

contributions of time, funding, resources

pass, so not only do the learners benefit

important regional college. This

and dedication.”

13

Issue 29

Sunderland and Gateshead Councils receive
Quality Award for Apprenticeships
Both Gateshead and
Sunderland Council were
very deserving recipients of
the prestigious unionlearn
Quality Award for the
Delivery and Co-ordination
of their Apprenticeship
programme at the national
‘Apprenticeships: Quality and
Equality’ conference in
London, presented by Dr
Pete Waterman.

and union learners are considered in

roles that unions can play in ensuring

the design, development and delivery

apprenticeships are high quality and

of courses and programmes. The

accessible to people from disadvantaged

Gateshead and Sunderland Local

backgrounds.

Authorities ably demonstrated they are

exemplar employers and providers,

The 200+ attendees, who included a

committed to partnership working in

delegation from each of the Local

this area and so passed the stringent

Authorities, heard from a host of

assessment process with flying colours

inspiring speakers from unions,

earlier this year.

employers and providers on what they

are doing to promote apprenticeships

The conference was unionlearn’s annual

and how they are working together to

event highlighting the role that trade

ensure apprenticeships are the gold

unions play in supporting apprentices

standard for work based learning.

in the workplace and working with
The unionlearn Quality Award is a

employers to develop more high quality

Keynote addresses came from Frances

kitemark awarded to organisations that

apprenticeship places.

O’Grady, TUC Deputy General Secretary,

are committed to working with trade
unions and can demonstrate that unions

14

Dr Pete Waterman OBE DL, Record
This year’s event was focussed on the

Producer, rail enthusiast and Patron of

the National Skills Academy for Railway

the unionlearn Quality Award for

Engineering and Simon Waugh, Executive

Apprenticeship Provision.

Chair, National Apprenticeship Service.

Apprenticeships not only provide

valuable opportunities for young people

Gateshead Council
is delighted to receive
the Quality Award for
Apprenticeship Provision
from the TUC

but they also create vitality and energy

Rodger Kelly
Chief Executive, Gateshead Council

across our workplaces.”
Dave Smith, Chief Executive at
Sunderland City Council said: “One of

We have some
fantastic apprentices
within Sunderland City
Council who have proven
to be a valuable asset to
their teams

the key benefits in recruiting an

Julia Harrison
Workforce Development Consultant
Sunderland City Council

apprentice is that their mix of on and
off the job learning means they have
the skills that work best for your
service. Indeed, it’s been reported that

Howard Fawcett, ULR Coordinator of the

Rodger went on to say: “We are proud

employers who take on apprentices

union-led Learning Styles project said:

of our reputation for being a Council

benefit from higher productivity, reduced

“The Learning Styles project and the

that supports employees in their learning

staff turnover, and an improved skills

trade unions are really keen to support

and development, and even in the

base. An apprenticeship also develops

the promotion and development of

current economic climate, we will strive

the skills of local people and involves

increased numbers of apprenticeships.

to provide and support Apprenticeships

the local community in the delivery of

It’s immensely gratifying to be able to

that develop competent and confident

local services.”

play a part in supporting this endeavour.

individuals who will have successful

careers in their chosen area of work.”

Julia Harrison, Workforce Development

“Sunderland City Council’s innovative

Consultant, Sunderland City Council

and supportive approach in conjunction

Dave Smith, lead Union learning Rep

said: “Processes and procedures in

with close partnership working, is

at Gateshead Council said: “Gateshead

engaging with apprentices have

providing positive rewards for all those

Trade Unions are totally committed in

developed greatly over recent years

connected with quality apprenticeship

supporting quality apprenticeship

leading to a more structured approach

development.”

opportunities and we are extremely

and successful experience for all.”

proud Gateshead Council has achieved

15

Issue 29

BITE

Introduction to
New Media

SIZE
BRIEFINGS

Mental Health
First Aid
Mental ill health affects one in four
people in the UK at any given time. Over
the last 12 years the Department of
Health has concentrated on mental
health problems and prioritised it as a
key target to improve public health in
general.

April to June
2012

The Bitesize Briefing on Mental Health
First Aid will help combat the stigma
associated with mental health problems
and hopefully encourage people to

You can register

With over half of the UK's adult

become Mental Health First Aiders.

population now using social media, the

direct via email to

significance of utilising all avenues of

It will also increase awareness on the

the designated

modern, cost effective digital

major areas of mental health and how

communications couldn’t be greater.

they affect individuals in and out of the

contact or for general

workplace.

enquiries/to register

The briefing will cover how to use

by telephone please

Facebook, Twitter and You Tube,

call 0191 232 3175

discerning which is best for what and

new/social media and sites like

Blogging for
Beginners

how you want to communicate, for
example: creating groups, raising

This will be a hands-on session to help

awareness, distributing information

you blog and report news, campaigns

quickly etc.

and issues relating to your workplace,
union and community.

It will provide an overview of each
medium and some tricks of the trade

Blogging is an increasingly important

to help you inform, publicise, and

way of ‘getting the message out’ quickly

organise for maximum impact.

without having to rely on the traditional
media.

Topics covered will include:
Using new media for

The recent successful Northroots

campaigning/promotion

conference on new and digital media
highlighted that this is an area many

Creating multi-media messages

reps are interested in.

Utilising social network sites

This session will guide you through the
‘dos and don’ts’ as well as enabling

16

Using text messaging for mass

you to set up a blog there and then if

communication

you have not done so already.

Knowledge of the ‘two ticks’ criteria

Disability
Champions

Promoting the role

The briefing will give an update on the

Understanding access to work

Disability Champions course.

funding

Topics will include:

Working with management to
develop improvement plans

Understanding of the Disability
Champions role

Cumbria Forum on
Health and Wellbeing

Barriers to carrying out the Disability
Champions role
Understanding specific disability

There’s never been a more important

issues

time for trade unions and employers to
concentrate on how workplaces can be

Case Studies

an effective area to improve health and

Equality Act - specifically the disability
characteristic

the wider public health.
Key areas of concern currently are around

BITE

SIZE
BRIEFINGS

wellbeing, not just of employees but of

The Forum will explore why workplaces

mental ill health, stress and coping with

should be involved and more importantly

cancer in the workplace. These subjects

why trade unions should participate.

and more will be covered at the Forum.

April to June 2012 Timetable

Briefing

Date

Venue

Time

Registration Contact

Introduction to New Media

Wednesday 9 May

Northern TUC
Newcastle

1.00pm to 4.00pm

Helen Parry
hparry@tuc.org.uk

Mental Health First Aid

Wednesday 16 May

Northern TUC
Newcastle

1.00pm to 4.00pm

Anne Cairns
acairns@tuc.org.uk

Blogging for Beginners

Tuesday 29 May

Unison Office: 140-150
Pilgrim Street, Newcastle

1.00pm to 4.00pm

Helen Parry
hparry@tuc.org.uk

Introduction to New Media

Tuesday 12 June

Carlisle College
Room 140

1.00pm to 4.00pm

Helen Parry
hparry@tuc.org.uk

Disability Champions

Friday 22 June

Northern TUC
Newcastle

1.00pm to 4.00pm

Anne Cairns
acairns@tuc.org.uk

Cumbria Forum on Health
and Wellbeing

Thursday 28 June

Rheged
Penrith

12.00pm to 4.00pm

Melanie Lowden
mlowden@tuc.org.uk

17

Issue 29

Training time for Toon heroes
Magpie duo try out high-tech simulator
Newcastle United football
heroes John Beresford and
Joe Allon on Friday 27th
January sampled a very
different form of training at the controls of a 125 mph
East Coast express!

Newcastle. It's a real eye-opener to see

once a week to continue my education.

how quickly the train driver has to think

We're already planning a second event

ahead and react at the controls.

for rail staff and the support from two
legends of St James' Park is very

'Learning something new is always
positive - that's why Joe and myself are
keen to help East Coast raise awareness

And finally...for the record!
We are currently updating
our records so that we hold
current and correct contact
details for all active ULRs.
We would be grateful if you could complete
and return the form you should have
recently received in the post in the
envelope provided to our Freepost
address. This will help us keep you up
to date with all of the relevant learning
and skills information, details of events,

briefings courses and meetings reach
everyone who may be interested in
attending.
Even if you are no longer an active ULR
and do not wish to receive further
information from unionlearn and the TUC,
please could you let us know and we can
remove you from our records.
If you return your form to us before the
31st May you will be eligible for entry
into our prize draw.

Copyright in this publication is held by the TUC unless otherwise stated. For further copies of this item contact Northern TUC on 0191 232 3175 or via Email
northern@tuc.org.uk. This text may also be made available, on request, in accessible formats such as braille, audio tape and large print, at no extra cost.